Chapter 1315 - 991: The Moment Has Arrived

Tushere also heard the teasing tone in her words and immediately became anxious: "What is the Princess talking about!"

As she spoke, to show her "displeasure," she was originally sitting at Shang Ruyi’s feet holding her knees, but now she simply changed direction towards the window, sitting with her back to Shang Ruyi.

Seeing her like this, Shang Ruyi’s laughter made her eyes curve, and she reached out to pat her: "Are you angry?"

"Hmph!"

Tushere twisted her arm, refusing to let her touch.

If it were other palace maids, they would certainly not dare to behave so petulantly before the mistress, but Shang Ruyi was always easygoing, and besides, Tushere had grown up with her. Though sisterly affection was not often verbalized, it existed deeply in their hearts, so at this moment Tushere’s pout didn’t anger her. She just smiled and said: "Oh, really angry now?"

Chang Wan watched from the side and softly laughed: "All Tushere wants is to stay by the Princess’ side to serve you, certainly with no other intentions."

Saying this, she looked at Tushere: "Right?"

Only then did Tushere turn her head back, looking at her with a heart full of grievance, then she glared at Shang Ruyi with puffed cheeks. Shang Ruyi was amused by her childish demeanor and said: "Alright, I know I’ve wronged you."

Tushere turned away again: "Hmph!"

Shang Ruyi said: "Hey, how can you still be angry if I confessed I’ve wronged you? Could it be that you weren’t wronged?"

But Tushere turned her head even more stubbornly.

Impatiently, Shang Ruyi said: "Speak clearly if you have something to say; don’t act so coy and cramped, it’s annoying!"

Upon hearing this, Tushere stopped being pretentious, looked back at her, and asked: "Who is the Princess taking to Luoyang this time?"

Upon hearing these words, Shang Ruyi understood what had been bothering her along the journey.

Among the three chief palace maids by her side, Tushere was loyal, bold, and meticulous, mainly serving her personally; Chang Wan was left by Madam Guan for Yu Wenye, gentle and steady, usually serving Yu Wenye, she manages Qianqiu Palace affairs with Tushere when he is away; Wo Xue was the youngest and least involved due to her background, but whenever Shang Ruyi was traveling, especially facing dangers, Wo Xue was most useful.

During the dangerous Battle of Fufeng, Shang Ruyi brought Wo Xue.

This time to Luoyang, with the need to solve the crisis in Xiazhou first and facing more potential dangers, naturally Shang Ruyi planned to bring Wo Xue along, and Tushere apparently realized this, hence her moodiness along the way.

So Shang Ruyi glanced at her: "Who do you want me to take?"

"..."

"If I take you, do you know how to ride a horse or wield a sword?"

With just one sentence, Tushere, who was slightly dissatisfied, was rendered speechless. Riding was a challenge for her, not to mention protecting Shang Ruyi against dangers; even if she risked her life, she feared she couldn’t safeguard anything. Yet, she knew that during Fufeng, Wo Xue had paved a way for Shang Ruyi’s safety in the fire.

So she pursed her lips, muttering nothing more.

Shang Ruyi glared at her good-naturedly, while Chang Wan smiled gently: "Tushere stays with us, just fine."

"..."

"Once the Princess leaves, the Young Master remains. Shouldn’t we take good care of him?"

"..."

"Although Aunt Hui is dead, the situation in the palace is unclear, and we don’t know how many eyes are watching Qianqiu Palace. If they harbor ill intentions again, who can take good care of the Young Master?"

Upon hearing this, Tushere’s eyes immediately lit up.

And seeing her like this, Shang Ruyi pressed her lips and tried to suppress a soon-to-be-unconcealed smile—actually, after eliminating Han Yuhui, even though she knew she had angered the Emperor and Crown Prince, Yuan Qian was still the Imperial Grandson. Even if Yu Wenquan were angry at her, he wouldn’t blame Yuan Qian; as for the Crown Prince, without Han Yuhui he had even less room to maneuver in the palace—in essence, from his subsequent attitude, Shang Ruyi somewhat understood that the previous attempts on Yuan Qian’s life were likely orchestrated by Han Yuhui and the Crown Princess Consort on their own accord, for being the Crown Prince, he was very aware of what provokes the Emperor.

Thus, she dared propose to Yu Wenquan that she would resolve the crisis in Xiazhou.

Even further, the reason for Han Yuhui’s inevitable demise stems from an estimate Shang Ruyi had since the first letter from Princess Qiancheng arrived.

Now, it has come naturally.

As Chang Wan said these words, besides coaxing the silly girl Tushere, it was also to express her intention to Shang Ruyi. She understood that outside travel with only Wo Xue was most suitable to ensure the Princess’s safety, so she wouldn’t insist on going along. She also understood that those left in the palace couldn’t be lazy in their days, countless eyes watching Qianqiu Palace inside and out; any slight oversight from them as servants might be caught as an excuse.

Listening to Chang Wan, Tushere’s thoughts finally turned, she gently nodded but still wrinkled her nose at Shang Ruyi, acting tough even after gaining the upper hand. Shang Ruyi had no choice but to shake her head and smile resignedly, letting her be.

Returning to Qianqiu Palace, Shang Ruyi tidied up a bit and, as before from the past couple of days, personally accompanied Yuan Qian in laughter and play.

This child, since growing a tooth, became even more lively than before, like a spirited little puppy, crawling forward just everywhere. Sometimes he could prop himself against the walls or table edges to stand and walk a couple of steps; precisely because of this, he could reach more things, often grabbing items from the table and shoving them into his mouth when nobody was looking. The scariest time was when Shang Ruyi blinked and missed it; he grabbed a candle and took a bite. Fortunately, the taste was bad, and he didn’t swallow but filled his mouth with wax bits, making everyone pry open his mouth to clean up the mess.

These days, Shang Ruyi accompanied her son daily and even took him to sleep at night, knowing she would leave for a while again.

Moreover, compared to being grounded in Chengqian Hall, unable to meet each other before, this time it would be much longer.

The previous instance had already been so aggrieving for Yuan Qian, and now if she truly left, it would be at least several months before she returned; by then, this child would be much harder to pacify.

When Shang Ruyi was trying so intently to make up for it, someone outside came to report—

"Emperor arrives!"

Upon hearing the news, everyone in Qianqiu Palace was startled. Since Han Yuhui’s death, apart from Shang Ruyi actively taking Yuan Qian to Liangyi Hall to meet the Emperor once, he had never visited again. Why did he suddenly come today?

In a flurry, everyone anxiously stood up to greet him, and as Shang Ruyi walked to the grand hall entrance, she saw Yu Wenquan with his hands behind him, leisurely walking in.

Shang Ruyi promptly knelt and saluted: "Your daughter greets Father Emperor!"